When I look back at my career, one of the biggest shifts I ever made was moving from the
upstream side of the palm oil industry—managing mills in remote estates—to the
downstream world of refineries located in the city.
If I am being completely honest, I made a few mistakes in how I approached this decision. But every mistake has its lesson, and every decision, whether right or wrong, has shaped the person I am today.
Why Did I Make the Leap?
Several factors influenced me at the time:
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Trust in a close friend – A friend whom I deeply respected encouraged me to take the step. I believed in his words and judgment.
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Family considerations – After 15 years of moving from one mill to another, constantly uprooting our lives, my family was tired. My children, especially my eldest, were entering an important stage of education with the UPSR examination. The idea of stability—one house, one school, one community—was deeply appealing.
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Promises from HR – The new company’s HR painted a rosy picture. They promised me that the company was strong, the management was good, and my future boss was excellent. At that moment, it sounded like the perfect opportunity.
And so, I said yes.
Acceptance and Accountability
Looking back, I could easily blame those three factors. But the truth is, the decision was mine. I chose it.
That is why today, I don’t see it as regret, but as part of my journey. I accept it as fate and as a personal test. It is also why I continue to fight and move forward—because every chapter adds to my growth, not diminishes it.
Why Share This Story Now?
Recently, a connection on social media asked me to share my perspective. He pointed out that it’s rare for a miller to switch industries and move into a refinery career path. It happens, but not often.
That is when I realized—my story might help others who are thinking about making a similar move.
Lessons from the Transition
1. Skills Transfer Across Industries
If you are an engineer or manager who constantly learns and develops yourself, you should not worry. The core of what we do—problem-solving, decision-making, managing people and operations—is transferable.
From mill to refinery, the technology may be different, but within a few years of focused learning, you will adapt.
2. Location and Lifestyle
In a mill, you live in remote estates surrounded by nature. Life is quieter, with the sounds of birds and the forest. In a refinery, you are in the heart of the city—traffic jams, busy schedules, and endless hustle.
For me, this was one of the biggest lifestyle changes. But with it also came stability for my family.
3. Facilities and Perks
Upstream managers often enjoy company bungalows, four-wheel drive vehicles, domestic helpers, and authority over the entire mill. Refineries are different—you rarely receive such perks. Everything depends on the company’s policy.
4. Workforce and Complexity
A mill may only have three or four engineers or executives. A refinery, however, requires many more engineers across specialized departments. The complexity is greater, and so is the need for teamwork and coordination.
5. Standards and Certifications
Whether mill or refinery, the industry standards (ISO 9001, ISCC, MSPO) are similar. However, refineries often require additional certifications to meet international customer requirements.
6. Salary and Rewards
This is a surprise to many. In reality, mill managers in upstream often earn more in total compensation compared to refinery managers. This is because of the high margins and critical importance of upstream operations.
Reflection
If you are standing at the same crossroad, wondering whether to leap from upstream to downstream, here is my honest reflection:
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Don’t be afraid of learning new technologies. With dedication, you will adapt.
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Think carefully about lifestyle and family needs. The city and the estate offer very different lives.
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Be realistic about perks and compensation. Not every move means more rewards—it’s often a trade-off.
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Remember, your skills are valuable. Engineers and managers who are problem-solvers can thrive anywhere.
At the end of the day, my move was not perfect. I made mistakes. I learned hard lessons. But I also gained perspectives I could never have had if I stayed in one place.
And that, to me, is worth sharing.
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